Experimental study on effect of folium Ginkgo biloba in treating pulmonary interstitial fibrosis in rats

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of folium Ginkgo biloba (FGB) in treating pulmonary interstitial fibrosis (PIF) induced by bleomycin in rats. METHODS: PIF models of bleomycin-A5-induced pulmonary fibrosis were established in rats, they were treated by Bailuda, a preparation of FGB, and the pathological changes, collagen protein level, nuclear factor kB(NF-kB) activity, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) mRNA expression and protein level of the lung tissue were measured. RESULTS: In the Bailuda treated group after treatment, amelioration of the pulmonary alveolitis and fibrosis were shown in pathological section (P < 0.05) and collagen protein content was lesser (P < 0.01) as compared with those in the model control group. After 1 week of Bailuda treatment, the NF-kB activity of pulmonary alveola macrophage lowered by 47.3%, and levels of TGF-beta mRNA expression and protein were all decreased (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Bailuda has definite effect in treating PIF. The mechanism may be through inhibiting the activity of NF-kB, decreasing TGF-beta mRNA expression and protein, so as to ameliorate the inflammation and fibrosis.